Restaurante Columbus 1492 — Restaurant in Altea

Total tourist trap… but it works! On our way to spent a day at Playa de Roda in Altea, we passed this restaurant and it was so unique I just had to go back and try it if only to get photos for this review and my blog.

Turns out it was both unique and great food! Fortunately the offerings were so much different than normal Spanish beach restaurants which, to be honest, I am getting a little tired of (bravas, calamari, paella, etc). Perhaps they are catering to more European and British clientele or maybe they just wanted to distinguish themselves.

Plates were attractive and servings were great! I reserve my fifth start for only the best of the best. So for my rating scale, four stars means I would recommend and return. The only real drawback was the speed of service. We had a fair wait to be served and each course took a while. For example, how hard is it to plate up a bowl of cold Gazpacho or take a cold drink.

Server was pleasant and watching him seemed capable. However, the restaurant could do with a Maître.

It is important to know that at this time of year, reservations are recommended. We were lucky to nab a table in the ship’s deck in the back corner. Thinking this would be brutally hot, we were pleasantly surprised to see that there were ceiling fans angles in our direction.

Did I say Ship’s deck? Yup, there are three zones to this restaurant. Inside with the bar and many ornate decoration, I guess representing the time of Christopher Columbus. In the middle, is the Ship’s deck modelled after Columbus’s three ships, Niña, Pinta and Santa Maria. The third is the terrace on the sidewalk lower than the ship’s deck. I guess would be the water if you want to carry the theme to there.

Another important point to note, waiters in each zone manage reservations for their zone only. When we first arrived we asked to be sat on the terrace but the server didn’t have space and directed us to the servers in the other zones, each of whom had their own reservation books.

Anyway, all in all a great meal and we will return to try some of...

Great Spot – Delicious Food & Relaxed Vibes

This place is a real find — comfortable, welcoming, and with excellent food quality. We visited recently and were impressed by how well everything was done.

We tried a variety of dishes and tapas, and each one had its own charm: fresh ingredients, carefully prepared, and truly tasty. The flavors were authentic and balanced, not overdone. Portion sizes were generous but not wasteful.

The atmosphere is casual yet pleasant, perfect for a relaxed meal with friends or a nice evening out. The staff were friendly and attentive, adding to the experience without being intrusive.

The pricing felt fair considering the quality, service, and ambiance. Definitely good value for what you get.

💡 Tip: If possible, visit during non-peak hours so you can enjoy the calm ambiance and attentive service...

If you have come to Altea for a vacation and are looking for a place to eat, look no further. This is the best establishment on the coast, without a doubt.

We tried various places here, but none even came close to Columbus. The interior is magnificent, with generous and beautifully presented portions. The service by the waitstaff is top-notch; they all speak English, crack jokes, and become your best friends. I want to highlight one waiter who resembles actor Tom Holland; he's fantastic. What's more, the prices won't bother you at all, with all dishes priced under 25 euros.

I don't even know what to recommend from the variety of dishes my family and I tried here because whatever you order will be excellent! Thanks to the owners and staff of this wonderful establishment for an...